BIRMINGHAM’S public transport chief has poured cold water on suggestions that pensioners might have to pay for rail and tram passes which are currently free.

Coun Tim Huxtable said it was highly unlikely that a list of possible spending cuts, including ending half price bus fares for children, would be agreed.

The prospect of cutbacks was raised earlier this week by Centro, the West Midlands integrated transport authority.

Centro leaders said they might have to consider unpopular savings if they had to reduce a £147.5 million levy received from West Midlands councils.

Ideas they said could be considered included imposing a £25 annual charge on pensioners who wished to continue enjoying free local rail and tram services.

Centro also suggested the possibility of charging drivers to leave cars at 41 park and ride stations when catching trains and trams.

But Coun Huxtable (Con, Bournville), the cabinet member for transportation, said there were no circumstances under which Conservative members of the transport authority would support such cuts. He added: “It would be ridiculous to start charging for using park and ride sites within the Centro area. My submission to Centro is there should be no charging at park and ride sites.”